The Team
Ariel Arce
Ariel Arce is Owner and Creator of Tokyo Record Bar, Tokyo Listening Room, Air’s Champagne Parlor, Niche Niche, Special Club, Roscioli NYC (Partner) & Big Pearl Caviar.
In 2025 she has joined forces with the Conrad Hotel in Battery Park to bring Leonessa, an apertivo cocktail bar which she converted and developed alongside Hilton, to life on the Hudson.
She designs and builds all of her own projects, making her not just a restaurateur but a world builder.
Ariel has made a career out of making luxuries approachable, accessible & available earning her dining & beverage stripes at three star Michelin restaurant The Office/ Aviary in Chicago, and elevating her Specialty in Champagne at Pops for Champagne, Birds & Bubbles & Riddling Widow before opening her current establishments.
She is considered a thought leader in the wine industry and a tastemaker in the New York dining and entertainment scenes. She is a published author with Rizzoli and has been named 40 under 40 by Wine Enthusiast Magazine and The New Guard of Power and Influence by Vox Media/Eater.
Kenneth Crum
Born and raised in the bustling streets of New York City, Kenneth Crum's journey through the world of hospitality and wine has led him to the role of Managing Partner / Beverage Director of newly opened Heroes & Pearl Box.
Kenneth's story began in the heart of the city, where he honed his skills and nurtured his love for New York’s vibrant culinary scene. After a short stint in Los Angeles, the pulsating energy of his hometown called him back, setting the stage for the next chapter of his life. Kenneth moved back to NYC to help his family open a place in Brooklyn, Ode to Babel, where he managed the bar program. After getting the program off the ground, he began managing another bar in Brooklyn, Bar Corvo, then moved on to Lupa Osteria Romana in Greenwich Village where his love for wine truly flourished.
Here, he began to devour all the knowledge he could about wine…and popping a lot of bottles (for educational purposes, of course). After a few great years in the Italian wine world as the beverage director at Lupa, he headed back home to Brooklyn, where he helped open the critically acclaimed Red Hook Tavern as General Manager & Beverage Director.
An insatiable thirst for knowledge led him westward to Sonoma, where he embraced the art of winemaking with vintner Matt Taylor. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic and the California wildfires, Kenneth's resilience shined as he navigated the trials of harvest season, gaining invaluable insights into the craft. Upon his return to New York, Kenneth's passion for wine and hospitality burned brighter than ever.
Joining Niche Niche and Air's Champagne Parlor as Beverage Director, he brought a renewed vigor and creativity to the role, captivating guests with his expertly curated selections. His tenure at Niche Niche paved the way for an exciting collaboration with the renowned Roscioli restaurant group, further cementing his reputation as a luminary in the world of wine. As he looks ahead to the future, Kenneth's journey continues to unfold as the new Managing Partner and Corporate Beverage Director at Heros & Pearl Box.
Aaron Lirette
Born and raised in Chicago, Aaron Lirette grew up with a curiosity for cooking that was encouraged by his mother. Aaron’s love for visiting the local farmers market and meeting new farmers and vendors to discover unique and seasonal ingredients, is evident in his cuisine. His passion for creating distinct, quality food with locally-sourced ingredients will carry through on his future menus.
Lirette accepted his first role as Executive Chef at Duchamp in Chicago, then later served as Executive Chef at Celeste. Though, it was at Acadia where Aaron truly made his mark. He played a pivotal role in shaping its identity before departing to explore new opportunities, culminating at the prestigious accolades of two Michelin stars, five-diamonds from AAA, and four-stars from the Chicago Tribune.
In 2015, Aaron spearheaded the opening of GreenRiver as Head Chef/Executive Chef, leading the team to win one-Michelin star, four-stars from Crain’s Chicago Business, and three-stars from the Chicago Tribune.
Then, Aaron embarked on a new chapter, moving to New York City in 2018 to help open Niche Niche alongside Ariel Arce, where his culinary expertise continued to captivate diners. Subsequently, he assumed the role of Co-Executive Chef at Roscioli, overseeing the culinary operations and bringing his distinctive touch to the menu. Aaron’s culinary journey continues as he embarks on his latest role as Managing Partner and Executive Chef at Heroes & Pearl Box, bringing his wealth of experience and passion for exceptional cuisine to create memorable dining experiences.
